Your Voice, Your Vote: A Breakdown of Measure 106

If passed, Measure 106 would amend the Oregon Constitution to prohibit spending money on abortions using state funds

Posted: Oct. 19, 2018 6:43 PM

Updated: Oct. 22, 2018 5:46 PM

Posted By: Andryanna Sheppard

SALEM, Ore. — "Your money, your choice" is the measure's slogan. If passed, Measure 106 would amend the Oregon Constitution to prohibit spending money on abortions using state funds. This would include getting an abortion if your health care is provided by the Oregon Health Plan or through health insurance coverage provided by public employers.

The Yes on Measure 106 group said tax payer dollars should not pay for other people's choices.

"This measure would not stop anyone from choosing an abortion. It does not ban abortion by any means but it would give Oregon taxpayers the freedoms of having to pay for other people's choices. We believe that it is too controversial for our dollars," added Yes on 106 Spokesperson Nichole Bentz.

Planned Parenthood is an opponent of this measure. Employees said this measure limits access to abortions, especially for lower income women with health care under OHP.

“The vast majority of the patients that Planned Parenthood does see for abortion care are recipients of the Oregon Health Plan. If measure 106 were to pass, they would no longer be able to get the care they need through the Oregon Health Plan." this measure does include exceptions on when state funds can be used for abortions that's if its medically necessary, required by the government or for ectopic pregnancies.

In the 2017-2018 fiscal year, nearly 3,600 abortions were funded by the Oregon Health Plan, costing almost $2 million dollars, money Yes on 106 says should have stayed in taxpayers’ pockets.

If passed the net annual expenditure would increase by $19.3 million in public funds. This is because of the increase in births and corresponding health care, food and nutrition services provided by state government programs, according to the Voters’ Pamphlet.